Netball star Sarah Klau can still represent Australia in their upcoming series against New Zealand, despite pleading guilty earlier this month to assaulting a security guard.
Get all the latest netball news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Netball Australia on Thursday completed their investigation into the June 7 attack, where Klau admits she kicked a security guard after being denied entry to a Sydney venue.
But she still travelled to Glasgow the following month to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games, where the Diamonds claimed a bronze medal, without telling NA authorities until their return home.
READ SARAH KLAU’S APOLOGY ISSUED BELOW
In a statement, NA found Klau did breach the Code of Conduct – but she’ll remain eligible for Diamonds selection for the Constellation Cup which begins next month.
Sarah Klau (second from the left) outside Downing Centre Courthouse on September 3. Picture: The Daily TelegraphSource: News Corp Australia
Instead, she’s been fined $5000 and handed a two-match suspension – which is wholly suspended for 12 months.
That means Klau will not serve that ban, unless there’s a repeat Code of Conduct breach in the next year.
Klau was also handed a formal reprimand and will be required to undergo “additional education”.
“We expect our athletes to demonstrate safe, respectful and professional behaviour both on and off the court,” NA chief Mark Falvo said.
“Where conduct falls short of those standards, our Integrity Framework provides a clear and fair process for addressing it and determining an appropriate outcome.
“On this occasion Sarah’s conduct represented a significant but momentary lapse in judgement, and one that has been mitigated by her otherwise excellent character and behavioural history.
“We also acknowledge that Sarah has expressed genuine remorse for her actions and has recommitted to the high standards expected of our athletes.”
Star netballer Sarah Klau in action for Australia.Source: Getty Images
In a statement, Klau apologised for her behaviour, accepting NA’s findings and sanctions.
“I am incredibly sorry for my actions and the impact they have had on everyone involved and the wider netball community,” she said through the Australian Netball Players’ Association.
“I take full responsibility for my behaviour and accept the consequences that follow. I am committed to learning from this and ensuring my actions reflect the standards expected of me and our sport.
“I am grateful for the support I have received. I care deeply about netball and the values it represents.”
In a statement, the ANPA said they would continue to support Klau moving forward.
“Sarah has expressed deep regret for the off-court incident and acknowledges that her actions were wrong,” a spokesperson said.
“Sarah has been a respected and much-loved member of the netball community throughout her 10-year professional career.
“Throughout her career, Sarah has also made a significant contribution away from the court through her involvement in charity and advocacy initiatives.
“This has been an isolated incident in an otherwise distinguished professional career. Sarah understands that this does not diminish the seriousness of her conduct and remains committed to learning from it and doing better.”
Sarah Klau gets the pass away.Source: Getty Images
NA’s investigation found that Klau failed to behave in a professional manner while in public so as not to compromise the reputation of Netball Australia, netball and/or the NSW Swifts; and engaged in conduct that did or could bring the game of netball, Netball Australia and/or the NSW Swifts into disrepute.
“In determining the sanction, Netball Australia considered Sarah’s individual circumstances and her otherwise exemplary personal history. Sarah has also accepted full responsibility for her actions and has demonstrated genuine remorse for her conduct and its impact on the victim. She has also apologised to both the venue and victim,” NA said in a statement.
Klau’s Super Netball club the NSW Swifts have already confirmed the defender will not face penalty for the assault.
“Netball NSW and the NSW Swifts support and respect the outcome reached through the integrity process and remain committed to upholding its processes and decisions, ensuring a consistent and nationally aligned approach to integrity matters across our sport,” the NSW Swifts said in a statement on Thursday.
“No further action will be taken by Netball NSW or the Club in relation to this matter.”
Klau also avoided a conviction for the matter when she appeared in a Sydney court earlier this month.
Australia’s squad to take on New Zealand is set to be announced in the coming weeks.